PARYS, South Africa — A significant legal outcome came from the Parys Regional Court, where two men received a combined 41-year sentence for the violent murder and robbery of a local farmer. The case centered around the harrowing events of January 10, 2025, at Morelig Farm, highlighting the alarming threats facing agricultural communities.
The victim, Themba Motha, 59, was viciously assaulted along with his partner during the break-in. Motha sustained fatal injuries in the brutal attack, which shocked the local farming community and drew widespread condemnation. Meanwhile, the assailants escaped the scene with valuables, including a Mahindra bakkie and copper cables.
Following the crime, a specialized team, including members from the Provincial Serious and Violent Crimes Unit and the Fezile Dabi TRIO Task Team, was quickly assembled. Their prompt and exhaustive investigative efforts led to the arrest of the suspects just two days after the incident. The apprehended individuals, 29-year-old Sandile Dlomo and 23-year-old Karabo Lethoba, aided the police in recovering all stolen items from various locations in the surrounding areas of Tumahole and Parys.
Dlomo received a 15-year sentence for murder and an additional 15 years for robbery and theft. The court ruled that eight years of his robbery sentence would run concurrently, resulting in a total of 23 years in prison. Lethoba was handed a similar penalty, sentenced to 15 years for both murder and robbery, with three years of his second sentence running concurrently as well. This means he will serve an effective 18 years behind bars.
The response from law enforcement has been resolute. Major General Apaphia Modise, the deputy provincial commissioner for Crime Detection, expressed her appreciation for the diligent efforts of the investigative team. She praised the work of Constable Rense of the Serious Violent Crimes Unit and the prosecutor, Thlaloane, for their roles in ensuring a strong case against the offenders.
“This case demonstrates our commitment to combating violence within our farming communities,” Modise said. “The verdict sends a clear message that such acts will attract severe penalties. We hope that this outcome offers some measure of closure to the Motha family and reaffirms our dedication to community safety.”
The case has resonated deeply within the local community, emphasizing the ongoing challenges faced by farmers in the region. In the wake of these events, calls for increased protection and support for those in the agricultural sector have grown louder, as residents express a desire for a safer environment.